Watch the Full Video: 3 Steps To Make Money On Social Media In 2025 (Published 2/4/25)
GaryVee, a successful entrepreneur and one of the top voices in marketing, gave a keynote at Newtown High School explaining how anyone, no matter their background or experience, can start earning through social media: You don’t need a million followers to make money on social media anymore. In fact, you don’t even need ten.
This isn’t about becoming famous. It’s about using free tools that already exist to build something real.
1. You Can Go Viral With 0 Followers
In the old days of social media (like 2010), you had to build a huge following before anyone saw your posts. That’s not true anymore. Today, platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels are built to push content based on how good it is, not how many people follow you.
So if your first post is funny, interesting, helpful, or real — it could get 10,000 views, even if no one knows who you are yet.
“You don’t have to talk about what you’re gonna do. You have to start doing it.”
2. TikTok Shop Is a Goldmine
Here’s one of the biggest opportunities Gary talked about: TikTok Shop.
TikTok now has a built-in platform where anyone can go live and sell products, kind of like QVC or HSN — but with your phone. And the wild part? You can start with stuff you already have lying around your house. He even says:
“Go to the dollar store. Go to TJ Maxx. Spend $20. Resell it on TikTok Shop for $50. Then do it again. And again.”
If you’re nervous about being on camera, that’s okay. Start simple. You can even just show the product and talk while keeping the camera on the item instead of your face.
People who go live on TikTok Shop, even without any followers, are getting real reach — and real sales. It’s free marketing with real results.
3. Content Wins. Talking Doesn’t.
Gary goes hard on this point — most people talk about what they’re going to do and never actually take action. We’ve all seen this. Your friend says they’re going to start a YouTube channel. Or flip sneakers. Or launch a brand. But a year later, they haven’t even started.
“We talk too much. The way you win is by doing.”
He tells the students to stop clapping when he says he’s giving away books. Why? Because reading the book doesn’t matter unless you do something with the info.
4. Post About What You Love
Gary says everyone cares about something. If you love basketball, post about it. If you’re into drawing, talk about your process. If you like sneakers, review new drops.
This is the biggest unlock: when you create content around your actual interests, it’s easier to stay consistent. You won’t burn out as fast. And you’ll attract people who genuinely vibe with you.
“If you’re doing it just for the money, you’ll quit.”
5. You Don’t Need to Wait for College or a Job
Gary admits he was a bad student. But that didn’t stop him. He made his first $100,000 just by working at a liquor store and saving money.
His point is: don’t let school grades define you. That doesn’t mean school isn’t important — it just means life is a lot bigger than your GPA.
He says: “Getting bad grades won’t ruin your life. What matters more is learning how to push through hard things, how to build something, and how to be disciplined.”
6. AI, Social Media, and the Tools You Already Have
We’re living in one of the best times to be young. You have tools — like AI and smartphones — that past generations didn’t.
He reminds students that the phone in their pocket is more powerful than the computers used in the White House just a few decades ago.
“Every generation fears new technology — they thought electricity had demons in it.”
Gary says AI isn’t something to fear. It’s a tool. Learn how to use it, and it can help you grow faster, automate tasks, and even generate new ideas for your content or business.
7. The Real Secret to Avoiding Burnout
Gary gets personal when someone asks how he avoids burnout. His answer: gratitude and perspective.
He says the reason people burn out is often because they’re worried about what others will think. When you let go of trying to impress others — your friends, your parents, even strangers online — life becomes lighter.
“Burnout is a mindset thing. Gratitude fixes almost everything.”
8. Adversity Is Your Strength
This part hit deep. Gary tells the students that many of them have faced more adversity than kids at other schools. Maybe they’ve grown up with less. Maybe their home life is hard. Maybe they’ve had to work jobs while in school.
He tells them — that’s your power. The struggle becomes your strength. Later in life, that toughness will give you an edge. While others are falling apart, you’ll keep going.
“This chapter of your life will become your foundation.”
9. How to Start a Business the Smart Way
Gary gives the best beginner advice: work for someone in the field you want to learn. Even if it doesn’t pay much, you’re getting paid to learn. It’s like getting paid to go to business school — but better.
Once you’ve got the idea for your business, go slow and steady. Build something around what you actually enjoy. Business is hard. Don’t do it for the money. Do it because you care.
10. Final Message: You Are in Control
If there’s one takeaway from GaryVee’s whole message, it’s this:
“The second you believe you are in control of your life — no matter where you come from — your life changes.”
No more excuses. No more waiting. If your school doesn’t offer something you want, go get it. Send emails. Knock on doors. Use social media. Use your phone. Build something. Try things. Fail. Try again.
You are in control.
Gary’s message isn’t generic. It’s real. Social media is a powerful tool — but only if you use it to build, not just scroll.
You don’t need followers. You don’t need money.
You just need action, patience, and a little belief in yourself.
So, here’s the challenge:
👉 Post something today about something you love.
👉 Try TikTok Shop.
👉 Start documenting your journey.
The world is watching. And it’s waiting for you to show up.
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